Property Overview
- Sleeps: 8/10
- Bedrooms: 2 Doubles, 2 Twins (+ 2 further childrens beds in one of the twins)
- Bathrooms: 4 bathrooms, two of which are ensuite
- Rents: €3,400 per week
- Key features: Swimming Pool
25 acres of garden and grounds
Superb elevated position
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Domaine de Rabiole
Approaching the village of Masquieres from the South the prominent manor house of Rabiole can be clearly seen on the high ground overlooking the village. A house of standing, style and character with a pair of pigeonnier towers each side of the impressive steps leading up to its front door.
The house in its present form is the result of a ten year restoration and refurbishment project by its current owners. This has also included the impressive relandscaping of the gardens surrounding the house and a new swimming pool enjoying the best of the views.
The house comfortably accommodates 8 in 4 bedrooms, is surrounded by its own land and accessible to the many charms and gastronomic delights of this most appealing area of rural South West France known as Quercy Blanc
Accommodation
The house is approached down a 200m cypress avenue to a generous parking area in front of the house. A flight of impressive stone steps lead straight up to a patio area in front the formal front door of the house on its 1st floor.
The front door leads straight onto the broad central landing which runs the full length of the house. Stairs then descend at the far SW end of the landing to the ground floor with a clear view through to the swimming pool.
On entering the front door on the 1st floor doors lead from the landing to:
FIRST FLOOR
Sitting Room – A large light room with windows facing NE and SE. Comfortable sofas and armchairs surround a coffee table with a fireplace containing a woodburner. Large fitted cupboards each side of the fireplace contain a flat screen TV and DVD machine. There are also a selection of family board games, chess and puzzles.
Bedroom 1 – Double bedroom with double bed (2m x 1.4m) windows facing NW and NE and a door leading to
Ensuite Bathroom 1 – with shower, WC and washbasin.
Bedroom 2 – Twin bedroom. Twin beds (2m x .9m) Beds can be put together to form a double. Windows to NW and door to
Ensuite Bathroom 2 – with shower, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 3 – Twin bedroom (beds 2m x .9m) with windows facing SW and SE. Two further childrens beds are available in this room if required.
Bedroom 4 – Double bedroom (bed 2m x 1.4m) Windows facing SW and door to
Ensuite Bathroom 3 – with walk in shower, WC and washbasin.
GROUND FLOOR
French doors from the swimming pool on the SW end of the house lead to:
An Entrance Hallway with a downstairs WC and Bathroom 4 with walk in shower, bath (with shower hose) and washbasin. Stairs ascend to the first floor landing.
Kitchen – A large light family sized kitchen with kitchen table capable of seating 12. Three sets of French doors to the SW overlooking the swimming pool and views and to the garden to the SE. The kitchen is well equipped with fitted units to one side, a Belfast sink, a washing up machine and a fitted dresser above. There is a gas cooker with 5 rings and a large oven. There is a large fridge/freezer, microwave oven, coffee making machine, kettle and toaster.
Games Room – with a table tennis table and French doors leading straight out to the swimming pool area.
Function/Reception Room/Barn – A substantial barn, measuring 18m x 10m adjoins the swimming pool area and has recently been renovated and re roofed with one side open to the garden and the Southern side with sliding glass doors that can be opened to a patio running the full length of that side and enjoying the best of the South Westerly views. Effectively this is a marquee in barn form and a superb venue for any sort of gathering.
Garden & Grounds
Gardens and grounds extending to 25 acres surround the house. The house occupies a commanding position with superb views and, thanks to its elevated position, is often refreshed by a welcome breeze in the heat of summer.
A small oak plantation borders the house to the SE. It has been low pruned allowing attractive views through and under the canopy.
The gardens are planted with a mixture of mature trees and shrubs including oaks, olive, lime and ash. As part of the extensive landscaping works the lawns have all been raised which gives distinction to the formal edges of the garden area and an increased sense of elevation and position. The lawns benefit from an irrigation system which keeps them a verdant green through the heat of the summer.
There is a large barn (not the converted barn mentioned above) at the NW extremity of the gardens. This is mainly used for storage but there is excellent shaded parking for cars at its Northern end.
The South West side of the house opens straight out to the swimming pool which measures 12m x 6m. Roman steps lead into the shallow end (1m) descending to the deep end of 2m. The pool is brilliantly lit at night. A patio surrounds the pool giving way to lawn on the open sides. There are a generous supply of sun loungers and sun umbrellas.
There is a petanque court on one of the lawns and a badminton set.
There are various patio and garden areas for eating outside including the shade of a mature lime tree just adjacent to the pool.
There is a tennis court a short 5 minute walk down into the village.
Location
Domaine de Rabiole enjoys a peaceful rural location in Quercy country overlooking the small village of Masquières in the Lot et Garonne roughly midway between Cahors to the east and Villeneuve-sur-Lot to the West.
There are basic shopping facilities at the local landmark/Bastide village of Tournon-d’Agenais (10mins/4miles) where there is a general store, a very good butcher and a boulangerie.
The main shopping town is Montayral/Fumel (15mins/8miles NW) where there are supermarkets Leclerc, Lidl, Intermarché and Leder Price.
The cities of Cahors lie 40 mins (25 miles) to the east and Villeneuve sur Lot 30 mins (19 miles) to the West.
Closer at hand are the pretty market towns of Montcuq (22 mins/12 miles SE), Montaigu-de- Quercy (14 minutes/9 miles South) and Lauzerte (30 mins/16 miles to the South)
Domaine de Rabiole is 1hr 10 mins (48 miles) from Bergerac Airport, 2hrs 20 mins (121 miles) from Bordeaux airport and 1 hr 40 mins (74 miles) from Toulouse airport.
The TGV stops at Agen (50 minutes/30 miles).
Additional Information
Tenants will be met on arrival, and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out
There is a telephone system, plus WIFi broadband internet access in the main house
Bed linen and bath towels are provided free of charge and will be changed on a weekly basis
Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook can probably be found. His/her/their wage will be the tenants responsibility, and can be ascertained in advance should tenants so wish.
There is a travel cot and high chair
There are fans in all the bedrooms
This is an all year round property and is heated throughout
There are a number of English language books and board/family games for the use and enjoyment of guests.
Things to See & Do near Domaine de Rabiole
There is a very helpful information folder with details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes maps, brochures and important local contact details.
There is a comprehensive Guest information folder in the house with details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes and is accompanied by maps, brochures and important local contact details.
Markets There are markets almost every day within easy driving distance. These include Tournon d’Agenais (Sunday mornings and a night market on Monday evenings in July and August), Valance d’Agen (Tuesday), Lauzerte (Wednesday and Saturday), Montcuq (Thursday and Sunday – main day), Montaigu de Quercy (Thursday and Saturday), Moissac (Saturday and Sunday one of the largest locally). Evening/night markets offer variation, often with live music, dancing and a wide range of street food and wine/drink.
Restaurants and eating out – One of the great pleasures of the region/area. There is a wide choice to suit every budget. A list of local recommendations is contained in the Guest Information Folder.
Tennis – there is a tennis court in the village of Masquieres which is an easy 5/10 minute walk from the house. The court can be booked in advance if required.
Walking – There are a number of easy and longer walks from the house and there are maps in the house with other local routes.
Fishing - There is local fishing available and permits can be obtained at the Tourist office in Lauzerte
Canoeing - The rivers offer excellent canoeing trips, with the River Lot to the North and the Garonne to the South. There are a number of companies that offer some great day trips.
Bicycling – There are bicycles to hire in Montaigu de Quercy
Riding: There are riding stables in Lauzerte
Tournon d’Agenais: (10 mins/4 miles) It is possible to drive to the top of the village but if you are feeling energetic it is more pleasant to park below the village and walk up the streets and steep steps that take you up to the top of the village. The views over the Boudouyssou valley and The Quercy blanc are outstanding. When you reach the village a short medieval street quickly takes you to the Place des Corniers, the historic centre of the village. This charming central square is surrounded by half timbered houses above arched stone arcades.
Montaigu-de-Quercy (14 mins/9 miles) Founded in the 12th century and a site for the castle on the hill built by Raymond of Toulouse to defend the region against attack by Richard the Lionheart from the West. The old centre is dominated by a traditional central square where the original defensive walls of the castle can still be seen. Market day is on Saturday.
Villeneuve sur Lot (33 mins/19 miles) Once surrounded by a fortified wall with six towers and eight gates the historic centre of the town is situated between two of these old gateways, the Porte de Paris and the Porte de Pujols, which are easily spotted as you approach the town. The two gates are classified as historic monuments. The centre of the town is now largely given over to shops and a pleasure to explore. The main street of Rue de Paris runs between the two towers and the main shopping street of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and on to the Place Lafayette. Place Lafayette is the main square of Villeneuve and is surrounded by arcaded shops. The market is held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings and takes place in the Covered Market Hall just down from the Place Lafayette on the river.
Cahors: (40 mins/25 miles) A large and quintessentially French medieval town bounded on 3 sides by the River Lot. The magnificent Pont Valentre is one of the finest medieval bridges in existence. Now world famous for its wines from the area the town is a bustling centre of commerce and interest. Markets are held on Wednedays and Saturdays.
Lauzerte (31 mins/19 miles) A lovely small bastide town, founded by the Count of Toulouse in 1241, set along the top of a small hill and now officially included among the 'most beautiful villages of France'. Most of the houses are built using the local light stone of the region. The Place des Cornières is one of the smallest and best preserved central squares in the region which adds to its charm and intimacy. Many of the shops and cafes have traditional wrought iron signs representing their trade and adding to its authentic medieval feel.
Penne d’Agenais (22 mins/13 miles) A pretty medieval village with steep narrow streets. A stronghold for Richard the Lionheart and his burial place. There are an attractive collection of craft shops and a good choice of restaurants.
Moissac (50 mins/29 miles) At its centre is one of the great abbeys of France and the market (on Sundays) combines well, as also to eat out in one of the bars/restaurants around the abbey.
Agen (50 mins/30 miles) is a popular destination. A charming town, classical buildings, small streets full of interesting little shops, some fun clothes and shops and an excellent covered market open every day.
These towns and the cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse are cultural treasure troves but the local bastide (fortified) villages scattered around the area are an enduring source of interest and pleasure. Most are perched on hilltops, land marks with commanding views often in past times occupied for long periods by the marauding English. Notable churches and abbeys are scattered all about the surrounding Quercy country.
Chateau Bonaguil is the last of the great fortified castles to be constructed in France on a rocky outcrop between the rivers Thèze and Lémance. A huge firework display takes place here towards the end of July each year.
Pigeonniers A by product of these jewels is an appreciation of the wonderful pigeonniers scattered about. Little buildings of great charm, ornament, status and, in their day, purpose.
Vineyards – There are a choice of vineyards in the area where tastings are held and purchases can be made. Chateau de Chambert, Lamartine and Clos Triguedina are all within half an hours drive.
Golf – There are a number of 9 and 18 hole golf courses at within an hour’s drive. These include courses near/at Villeneuve Golf and Country Club at Castenlaud de Gratecambe (18 hole) where there is also an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a restaurant in the club house). Also at Casteljaloux, Marmande, Agen and Sauveterre (Golf des Roucous). There is a challenging 18 hole course at Villeneuve sur Lot.
Tourist Office – There is an excellent tourist office in Lauzerte
Rents & Terms
2023 RENTS & TERMS
3rd June to 30th September €3,400 per week
Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day, and should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.
A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
A Booking and Security Deposit of £600 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of telephone calls made on the landline during the tenancy, (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental and (c) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy.
Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 10 people staying in the property at any one time.
The owners' insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows as well as the shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Tenants should advise Anglo French Properties Ltd at the end of each rental of any breakages, losses and/or damages. This is in lieu of an inventory.
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